Buying a Small Double Stroller
Double strollers are an investment that you'll use for a long time. That's why it's important to choose carefully.
Our testers looked at strollers that have excellent flexibility and a smooth ride on any terrain. They also checked whether the models were easy to fold and maneuver.
Size
There are a variety of double strollers available on the market, ranging from side-byside to tandem (single-file seating) and wagons. The category has evolved from the behemoth vintage 1980s models that many older generations might have recalled. Nowadays they're sleek and come with various customization options to make the experience of traveling with kids more enjoyable for everyone.
For parents with infants or toddlers to take along, an extra stroller that has car seats can be extremely useful in taking them from A B. Some of the most sophisticated strollers on the market feature a single frame that can hold two infant car seats or convertible toddler seats making them suitable for use from birth until children reach kindergarten age. These are usually more expensive than double stroller frames, but offer an integrated car seat system, as well as an enormous undercarriage basket.
Parents with fewer children may opt for a single-to-double stroller that is more simple and less expensive. These strollers are typically lighter and some moms use their original stroller even after their children have outgrown it.
Another great feature of some of the smaller double strollers we've tested is the compact fold. They can be tucked away that larger strollers can't and are often easier to maneuver once folded.
Finally, most of the small double strollers we've tested feature a nice-sized sunshade, although the it's possible to have nothing to a cocoon covering. If you're on a budget then you may want to look into second-hand strollers for sale on sites like Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure to inspect the stroller for signs of wear before buying it.
Weight
When shopping for a small double stroller, parents need to be aware of the amount they wish to pay and if it is a good fit for their family's lifestyle. For instance, a lightweight stroller might not have enough storage space for bulky bags or other gear. It might not have a large canopy, or other features to make it more comfortable to use on long trips.
The best double strollers are durable and easy to move that helps ensure that the children remain comfortable in their seats and don't move around when they ride. Strollers with cushioned seatbacks and adjustable leg rests earn higher scores in our comfort tests than those without. The top double strollers offer reclining seating positions that let kids unwind on long rides.
Innovative designs and thoughtful features have made strollers that can be used in various ways more popular than ever. The best models are able to accommodate multiple car seat installation and provide an extended range of seating options from birth to preschool years. Some are so light that they can be used for jogging or for travel.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when selecting a small double stroller is whether it can fit through doorways and other tight spaces. Older models of tandem strollers as well as side-by-side strollers are usually too large to pass through the majority of doors. The most effective small double strollers are usually narrower than traditional models and can be easily pushed into the majority of doors with ease.
Another thing to consider is whether you require a stroller with additional features like a cup holder or snack tray. These are useful for longer trips but will add weight and expense to the double stroller.
Folding
A small double stroller can fold compactly, fitting easily into tight spaces and making it easy to store. In addition, a light design ensures that it will be easy to move and carry.
Before you choose a compact double stroller consider where you'll use it and how often. These questions will help you decide which features are most important. For example, if you are planning to run with the stroller, then you will want to find one with an elongated suspension that can glide over pavement and rough terrain.
Also, think about the temperament and age of your children. If they're of the same age, a side by side stroller may be the most suitable option. However, if they're at different stages of development, then a tandem model may be better suited for your requirements.
A double stroller may be expensive, but it's an investment that will pay dividends in the long in the long. Investing in a quality model that fits your family's needs will make travelling with children much easier, and it will also provide years of convenience for you and your children.
If you are limited in storage space, the double stroller is an ideal choice. It can hold both infant car seats and toddlers. Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon can accommodate twins and is an excellent option for families with two children. It comes with two canopy options as well as a storage bin which attaches, and an infant tray with cup holders. This budget-friendly, lightweight stroller folds up easily and can be carried with only one hand. It is worth noting, however, that most double modular strollers require you to take off the second seat when folding them.
Maneuverability
The best small double strollers are easy to maneuver and have smooth, supple wheels that glide across any surface. These strollers also come with comfortable, reclining seats as well as plenty of storage space for your children's gear. Many of these strollers are compatible with infant and toddler seats and car seat carriers. These features make them an ideal choice for families who want a single stroller that can expand with their family.
Alli Cavasino is a certified child safety technician and travel gear expert who advises parents on strollers and other travel gear. second hand double buggy recommends selecting a lightweight, easy-to push model. "Strollers that are too heavy can lead to frame fatigue and injury," she says. If your stroller is heavy and difficult for you to push, you can add a ride-along feature or reduce the number of children.
Many of the compact double strollers we tried can accommodate multiple infant car seats. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 double, for instance, can hold two infant seats or toddler seats at a time, and can be transformed into a 3-seat configuration using the RumbleSeat add-on. It also features a stylish inline design with foam-filled tires which won't flatten and an adjustable handbar that telescopically adjusts. The seat buckles are one of the easiest to secure and remove, and its generous UPF 50+ sunshades feature window-like windows.
Other models provide seating versatility, making them suitable for multiples, twins, a single older kid and an infant, or a toddler with a riding scooter (sold separately). They also come with brakes that are easy to use and a relatively compact fold that can fit into most trunks. Some are so light that they can be transported up and down stairs. Most require little assembly. The Joovy Caboose however, requires some tools and was among the most difficult to construct during our tests.
Safety
The best double strollers are equipped with multiple safety features. They come with adjustable handlebars that give you the user with a comfortable grip and a large base to ensure it won't tip over when the children get out of their seats. The canopies are big enough to accommodate both kids in the event of rain. They're also simple to use, says Alli Cavasino who is a certified child-passenger safety technician. "Look for an easy oneor two-step fold that is easily carried and has a clear, obvious place to put the straps," she advises.
The narrowest compact strollers can fit through doors with ease. This is a great benefit if you live in smaller spaces or have a small car. The smallest models also weigh less than standard double strollers. This makes them easier to transport from one location to the next.
Parents of children who are close in age may choose the side-by-side stroller, such as our top pick for the Joovy Kooper X2, which includes two child seats that can be adjusted to the width and recline independently. In our tests, we found the seats to be extremely comfortable, and recline to be easy and simple with just one lever on each seat. It also comes with a large storage basket as well as a one-step linked parking brake (to reduce hand fatigue while stopping) as well as some of the best harnesses in our tests.
If you have children that are from each other in terms of age, then a sit-and-stand stroller, like our top choice UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double, might be a good choice. It accepts two infant car seats and comes with two seats that have been modified that function as bassinets for older children. They can also be modified to accommodate the use of a riding board for an even older sibling.